Spring is here, and with the change of the season comes a change in beer. Spring means light and crisp flavors of fruit are starting to make their way back into our beer glasses to match the slowly warming weather. With that warm weather means there are a ton of festivals are on the horizon, specifically beer festivals. So string your pretzel necklace because these are the best beer festivals hitting Philadelphia this spring.

 

Like your metal with a side of craft beer? This festival is for you. Decibel Magazine is throwing the festival along with Unibroue brewery. Tickets include samples from 14 of the most metal-loving, hand-picked breweries including locals like Tired Hands and Neshaminy Creek and admission to the show. $75. (29 E Allen St.)

 

This isn’t a beer festival per se, but craft beer lovers will enjoy this just the same. The Craft Beer Express is a bar crawl designed to showcase Philly’s awesome craft beer bars. All you have to do is buy a ticket for the bus and show up at one of the bars on the list to begin the crawl. Participating bars include Philly Loves Beer “Garten” (5th and Bainbridge), St. Stephen’s Green, The Institute, Bishop’s Collar, City Tap House Logan, The Cambridge, P.O.P.E, Devil’s Den, Brauhaus Schmitz, and Race St. Cafe. $10 to get on the bus, everything else pay as you go. (Various locations)

 

Xfinity Live will be turning their entire complex into a huge beer festival once again this spring. Springfest will feature over 175 brews from over 75 breweries to unlimitedly sample within the four hour fest. Other perks of the festival include a commemorative glass, access to indoor and outdoor beer gardens, food trucks, karaoke, concerts and much more. A VIP ticket is available for early access and special VIP-only beers. $45 GA, $60 VIP. (1100 Pattison Ave.)

 

Enjoy unlimited samples of over 70 craft brews at this outdoor festival. Tickets include a souvenir sampling glass, unlimited beer samples, tequila samples, and live music. Pulled pork, tacos and many other food items will also be available for purchase. VIP tickets are available and include one hour early admission, top shelf tequila samples, a custom event shirt, and one complimentary taco.  $45 GA, $60 VIP. (4120 Main St.)

 

This event is for the true beer purists. Guests can enjoy over 60 cask-conditioned — or “real” — beers from breweries around the globe at this festival. Tickets include a commemorative glass, food, live music and also access to the awesome selection of unfiltered, unpasteurized sudsy goodness. $55 (901 N Delaware Ave.) 

 

Held on the same day as the South Street Spring Festival, Maifest is a beer lover’s delight. Admission to the festival is free, but VIP tickets are available which include an appetizer buffet, commemorative beer stein, access to a VIP beer hall with exclusive beers and seven beer tickets. Other entertainment includes a maipole and authentic German dancers and live music. $100 VIP. (718 South St.)

 

Partake in a huge outdoor beer festival at the Cannnstatter this spring. Many local craft brewers will be on hand to answer questions about the brews and offer unlimited pours. Tickets include a commemorative NE Philly tasting glass as well as live music. German and American food will also be available for purchase. VIP tickets are also available for one hour early entry and access to rare beers. $35 GA, $45 VIP. (9130 Academy Rd.)

 

Celebrate the tapping of Sly Fox’s Maibock with great beer, German food, music and even a goat race. The beer lineup includes the brewery’s year round selections Helles Bock, Slacker Bock, Hefeweizen Doppelbock and Instigator Doppelbock plus the Maibock which is tapped after the goat races conclude.  Everything is purchased on a pay as you go basis, and admission to the event is free. Cash only. (331 Circle of Progress Drive, Pottstown, PA)

 

When the Phillies are away the craft beer lovers will play. Sample hundreds of craft beers, wines and spirits at this festival held at the ballpark. Tickets include a commemorative glass, bag of Herr’s pretzels, entertainment, games, giveaways—oh and two tickets to a Phillies home game in the 2017 season! Guests will also be able to visit the dugout and walk the bases during the festival. VIP tickets are also available which includes one hour early entry plus exclusive tastings and more. $45 GA, $65 VIP. (1 Citizens Bank Way)